North Belfast arts centre hosting over 30 artists from Cork for cultural exchange

North Belfast's first and only dedicated arts centre is set to host over 30 artists, musicians, chefs, and makers from Co Cork for a takeover.

The unique cultural exchange between two of Ireland’s best known intimate music venues – Levis’ Corner House in Ballydehob and Duncairn Arts Centre in North Belfast – is part of a creative project called The Ties that Bind.

Throughout 2024, The Ties that Bind project has brought artists living and working in The Duncairn area in inner city Belfast and in Ballydehob in rural Co Cork together to collaborate, perform and share experiences with each other and their audiences. The project tells the story of two corners of the island and how they have successfully leveraged the arts to build respect, inclusion and positivity in their respective areas.

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Following the success of the first leg of the tour in July, when 30 Belfast based musicians and artists swapped the inner-city hustle and bustle of North Belfast for the picturesque village of Ballydehob for their ‘Takeover’ weekend in Levis’ Corner House, this weekend, a 30-strong collective of artists will make the return trip from Ballydehob to Belfast for a packed programme of events and experiences at the Duncairn.

The first event, on Friday night, November 15, was a 'Sing for your Supper' event hosted by one of Ireland's top chefs. Michelin-starred Chef Robbie Krawczyk, from Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob, served up a special menu inspired by the produce of West Cork, with the unique twist of diners being offered the opportunity to stand up and sing a song for a chance to win their supper for free.

On Saturday, a unique West Cork live music and spoken word event comes to the Duncairn, promising an evening of surprise performances from established and emerging musicians and artists. 'Secret Song' has taken place in Levis’, Ballydehob for 10 years and, as the name suggests, the line-up is top secret.

The audience and performers arrive to the event without knowing who is playing. Over the years there have been secret performances from Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Jen Grant, Mick Flannery, SOAK and Rozi Plain, to name just a few. Tickets cost just £20 and there are limited tickets still available via The Duncairn website.

On Sunday, 17 November, a 'Junior Secret Song' session will offer an afternoon of free, family friendly activities in the Duncairn, featuring live music from some of the prior night’s performers, alongside children’s crafts, and art with visiting and local artists.

Commenting on project, Ray Giffen, creative director of the Duncairn said: "This initiative has been magic; magic for us; magic for Levis’; and magic for the two communities from opposite ends of the island.

“This is the 21st century. We've all got to get to know each other better. We've all got to get deeper than the surface, make friendships and discover the fact that as people, regardless of where you're from, or your background, you're confronted with the same problems and the same challenges in life. And there's more commonality than there is difference.

“When we went down to Ballydehob in July, I can honestly say that it exceeded every expectation I had. It was just incredible. When we got home, we reflected on just how very special it was… We all still talk about it; about how magical it was, and that's what we're going to recreate this weekend in North Belfast. We've no doubt about it, because the people at Levis’ create unique and very special experiences for people.”

The Duncairn is North Belfast’s first and only shared space arts and cultural venue, with a focus on showcasing new and emerging talent and a strong community ethos. Based off the Antrim Road, on Duncairn Avenue, the Centre’s hub is a Grade B1 listed deconsecrated Presbyterian Church.

The Ties that Bind Creative exchange is supported by funding from the Creative Communities on a Shared Island funding scheme, delivered by Creative Ireland as part of the Shared Island initiative. The programme has been supported and administered by Cork County Council and Belfast City Council.

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